Metallica’s The Black Album: A Landmark in Heavy Metal History

Say what you will about Metallica’s self-titled fifth studio LP, commonly known as The Black Album, but its popularity since its release nearly 35 years ago is undeniable. Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett has recently shared insights into why this album holds a special place in his heart, citing it as a showcase for his best guitar work.

Hammett Reflects on His Best Work

In the latest issue of Metal Hammer, Hammett reminisces about his time with the iconic thrash metal band and discusses what he considers his finest moments as a guitarist. Surprisingly, rather than highlighting the technical prowess of Metallica’s 1980s material, he points to 1991’s The Black Album as the pinnacle of his performances.

“It’s weird, because my opinion of that changes all the time,” he says, noting that he doesn’t often revisit Metallica’s music. “I don’t sit around listening to Metallica, so sometimes something comes on and I’m like, ‘I haven’t heard this in fucking five years! I forgot about that sound.’” He emphasizes the band’s forward-thinking mentality, always focused on what’s next rather than dwelling on past achievements.

A Period of Perfection

Despite his tendency to move on, Hammett recognizes a specific time during which he feels his playing was “fucking spot on” — during the recording of The Black Album. He expresses enthusiasm about how the solos for the album came together seamlessly. “Those solos wrote themselves! Almost all of them worked out instantly,” he declares. However, he admits to facing challenges with specific tracks like “The Unforgiven” and “My Friend of Misery.”

The Unforgiven Solo: A Challenge Turned Triumph

Hammett recalls the difficulties he encountered while crafting the solo for “The Unforgiven,” which has been well-documented. He explains, “It wasn’t happening and then Bob [Rock]… accused me of not doing my homework. I don’t know what he was talking about, because I arrived into the studio with all these ideas, but they just didn’t work!”

Under pressure, Hammett found himself improvising in the studio. “When he [Rock] tweaked the sound for me, it really helped. They said, ‘Just play!’ and I was like, ‘Arrrgh!’ I had maybe a minute to put myself into a real mood.” This moment of raw emotion resulted in a spontaneous solo that Hammett describes as a transformative experience, inspiring him to embrace improvisation more in his future work.

The Black Album: A Shift in Metal

Released on August 12, 1991, The Black Album marked a significant shift in Metallica’s sound, moving away from their thrash metal roots toward a more mainstream, accessible heavy metal vibe. This change has been divisive among longtime fans, yet the album produced iconic tracks such as “Enter Sandman,” “Sad But True,” “The Unforgiven,” and “Nothing Else Matters,” which contributed to its massive success.

As the best-selling metal album of all time, The Black Album has sold over 20 million copies in the U.S. alone, solidifying its place in music history. Its impact on the metal genre is undeniable, as it opened doors for many artists and changed the landscape of heavy music.

Hammett and Metallica’s Future

Recently, Hammett has shared his thoughts on various topics, including Nirvana’s Nevermind and why he believes everyone should own Van Halen. Metallica continues to thrive, performing rare tracks like “The Shortest Straw” and announcing future tour dates across the U.K. and Europe.

Interestingly, a Virginia family’s plans to attend a Metallica concert saved them from a near-tragic incident when a car crashed into their living room, showcasing the band’s influence beyond music. Meanwhile, Dave Mustaine has reignited debates about Metallica’s legacy, alleging that “Enter Sandman” borrowed from an Excel song.

Conclusion

As Metallica continues to evolve, Kirk Hammett’s reflections on The Black Album serve as a reminder of the album’s significance in both his career and the heavy metal genre. With its powerful riffs and emotional depth, The Black Album remains a beloved classic that defines a generation of music lovers.

FAQs

What makes The Black Album significant in Metallica’s career?

The Black Album marked a shift in Metallica’s sound toward a more mainstream heavy metal style, leading to immense commercial success and broadening their audience.

How does Kirk Hammett view his guitar work on The Black Album?

Kirk Hammett considers The Black Album to showcase his best guitar work, noting that many of the solos came together effortlessly during the recording process.

What are some of the hit songs from The Black Album?

Notable tracks from The Black Album include “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Sad But True,” and “Nothing Else Matters,” all of which contributed to its success.

Has The Black Album received any notable accolades?

The Black Album is the best-selling metal album of all time, with over 20 million copies sold in the U.S. alone, solidifying its place in music history.